Delta's criminal justice corrections programs might be for you if you are someone who believes in helping others to positively change their behavior.
Successful corrections officers rely on strong communication skills. They must be persuasive and able to use non-physical restraining techniques. Although, in some instances, physical restraint might be necessary. Daily duties include being responsible for the security of the offender, the public and the facility.
Delta courses are taught by experts in the field, who stress the need for excellent communication and decision-making skills, as well as the importance of understanding the legal concerns for those responsible for the day-to-day incarceration of offenders. The direct workplace experience our faculty bring to the classroom provides students the opportunity to learn from real-world practical knowledge.
Students who successfully complete the corrections program in criminal justice are prepared to work as corrections officers in prisons and jails or as juvenile care workers. Students often transfer credits to a university to complete a criminal justice bachelor’s degree.
Learn more about the Michigan Corrections Officer Grant Program which supports the Michigan Department of Corrections (MDOC) requirement to earn 15 college credits within 24 months of employment.
Program details
Our degree prepares you for a career in criminal justice corrections. You can start
with an entry-level certificate of achievement, and later apply those courses toward
the associate degree.
Degree info
Corrections
58 credits
$15,400 (out-of-district)
$16,060 (out-of-state) Corrections
15 credits
$3,850 (out-of-district)
$4,015 (out-of-state) Corrections with Jail Officer Academy
6 credits
$2,271 (out-of-district)
$2,337 (out-of-state)
There's more: Delta has it's own corrections academy
This Michigan Sheriff's Coordinating and Training Council (MSCTC) approved 160-hour Correction Officer Training Academy will include the following areas of instruction: Booking and intake; correctional law; cultural diversity; custody and security; defensive tactics; ethics in corrections; fire safety; interpersonal communications; prisoner behavior; report writing; stress management; suicide awareness; workplace harassment; and First Aid/CPR/AED.
Corrections academy details
Our next session will be held January 27 – February 21, 2025. Classes generally meet Monday – Friday from 8am – 5pm at the Delta College Main Campus.
Delta provides the 160-hour correction officer training mandated and approved by the Michigan Sheriff's Coordinating and Training Council (MSCTC) forming the foundation for a successful career in corrections. One of the unique features of our police academy program is, that as a result of where we're located, we're able to successfully train individuals for the needs of county sheriff's offices.
Delta's program has an excellent reputation, based, in part, on our highly-qualified instructors approved by MSCTC. A Certificate of Achievement may be obtained upon successful completion of the Academy. This may be used toward a laddered certificate program. You can also use the academy to earn credits toward your degree. If you have any questions, please contact us.
MSCTC standards
To enter the Corrections Academy, you must meet the Standards established by the Michigan
Sheriffs' Coordinating and Training Council (MSCTC). Delta College offers the Pre-Employment reading/writing and physical fitness tests for your convenience. They are required prior to enrollment in the program.
The minimum standards are:
- Age - not less than 18 years old
- United States citizenship
- High school diploma or equivalency
- Possess a valid operator's license
- No prior felony convictions
Application deadline
In order to secure your position in the next academy, your application must be completed by the due date listed below. The sooner, the better. On average, it takes about four weeks to complete all the application requirements. If you are seeking financial aid and/or a loan, you must have proper documentation outlining your approval amounts.
Request an application packetApplication timeline
The application procedure is a multi-step process. As a guide, we've provided a basic
timeline.
Step 1 - Apply to become a Delta College student or guest student (Due by December 2, 2024)
Step 2 - Complete the Corrections Academy Application Process. This includes the MSCTC pre-enrollment tests. (Due by December 2, 2024)
Step 4 - Interview, scheduled by our office (Due by December 3, 2024)
Step 5 - Tuition Payment (Due December 3, 2024)
Note
Late applicants or anyone not meeting these deadlines will have their eligibility
to attend the Academy determined on a case by case basis.
2024/2025 fees and costs
For students taking the academy as part of their academic program the cost is included in the program cost.
Non-academic and sponsored students:
Pre-Service: In-District - $1,997
You must have resided in Bay County, Saginaw County, or Midland County for at least six months.
Pre-service: Out-of-district - $2,725
Pre-service: Out-of-state - $2,813
The above fees cover books and training materials as well as the required uniform minimum.
In-service: $1,752
Available scholarships
The Delta College Police Academy encourages you to fill out the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) as most scholarships require this form to be completed in order to be eligible for scholarships. You will also need to complete a scholarship application as well as write an essay. For more information, please contact Delta College Financial Aid.
Corrections Academy
N101
policeacademy@delta.edu
989-686-9176
Transfer
One of the best things about Delta College is the opportunity to start here and go anywhere. And, in the process, save thousands of dollars. It's a smart choice to get your associate's and then transfer on.
Delta works with many colleges and universities to provide associate-to-bachelor’s degree transfer pathways. Check out what's available in this career field.
Job outlook
Interested in a career in corrections? Learn more about our region’s employment outlook
and career opportunities you can pursue in this field of study by reviewing the sampling
below. Visit Career Coach to search all careers.
"At this moment in time, there are literally hundreds of jobs available with state and local corrections. It’s a great time to get involved in the correctional field."

Michele Whitaker
Criminal justice faculty
Get started at Delta
Contact us
Program Coordinator
Joshua George
G125
joshuageorge@delta.edu
989-686-9446